I've had my Epiphone Firebird for a little over a year and am still in love with it. Just an excellent guitar without any issues. Very well made, great looking, plays great, and it's hard to tell its sound from the Gibson.
Years ago Gibson went with ceramic magnets on the FB pickups. The magnets on the Epi are Alnico, which are more like the original FB pickups than the current Gibson ones.
This is the first time I watched your videos. This and the previous video on the Epiphone firebird was excellent. Thank you. I really enjoyed them and I subscribed.
Firebird nerd here... Out of the 2 guitars in this video: If you want the guitar that replicates the look AND SOUND of the original 'bird most closely, get the Epiphone. The Gibson is a fine modern instrument in it's own right.
Sweet playing and tones man, thanks! I know I don't NEED one of these, but the past few days, I'm really WANTING one. There's just something different with the sound. Like a smooth, creamy growl. Edging that way lol
This is awesome. Helped me make a serious decision about my next guitar! My current lineup is two Gibson Les Pauls from 2019, a PRS Custom 24 SE, Epiphone Lzzy Hale Explorer and now im about to take this Epiphone Firebird on once Thomann has it back in stock. By the way I dig your channel! let me know if you ever feel like doing a collab in podcast style - I do original music mostly but I also do a bunch of gear videos and looper jams.
@@OliRoyer i just saw a four month old reply from you! Since then ive acquired a PRS CE24 that i love, another Les Paul studio and yeah i skipped the Epiphone Firebird and went straight to a Gibson one!
I'm definitely going for the Epiphone. There's a nice clarity there and an articulate presence, as well as plenty bite. Plus, it makes my Epiphone 'Bird set complete: Thunderbird-V, Mandobird-VIII, and a Firebird :)
I had a 2016 Gibson FB for several years. It had a weak ground right from the factory so I didn't play it very often. I finally sold it a few years ago and just got the Epi FB a few months ago. The Epi wins every comparison except for the "look" of the fret-board wood. I liked the "look" of the RW board better. I doubt anyone could hear any difference though from the Laurel board and they feel the same. Plus you can save an easy grand. Easy choice. Crank the neck pickup to 10 on volume and zero on tone and enter guitar heaven.
I was trying to decide between the Epiphone Firebird or their Tony Iommi SG and I think your fine review has tipped me towards the Firebird. It sounds good and it’s definitely a visually striking instrument that’s not the typical weapon of choice. It will make an impression when performing, especially with a black pick guard. It’s little more affordable than the SG as well. It’s a win, win. Cheers.
I've got the Epi ... I also own a Korean Sheraton II from 09 ... Epi make SERIOUS quality Guitars. I played a BUNCH of Gibsons before I bought my first Epi ... many of the Gibsons lacked for QC ... I went with Epi all the way.
I just bought the Epiphone Firebird, and I LOVE IT. Would have bought a new Gibson Firebird if they still make them. Couldn't find a Gibson under $5000 used. I got to say I'm glad Epiphone was my only choice. It's a hell of a guitar for $650.
I've been playing for 40+ years and have a good size collection. I just received my Epiphone FB and the quality is great. If you told me this was a $1500 guitar, I would have believed it. As you know you give a new guitar your own personal setup and adjustments. The neck needed no adjustment. Frets had a good dress, no sharps. No buzzing. Action was low but not crazy low. Perfect for 10's. Finish looked amazing. The only minor issue was the nut was cut a touch high, but really nothing. I definitely got a good one.
Gibson sounded a little more compressed and warmer. Little rounder. Epi sounded more open and brighter. A little more raw. I’d take either to be honest. No. Seriously. Give me one. 😂 oh and awesome playing by the way!
The difference is so minimal, especially in a band setting where the instruments aren’t isolated, the Epiphone is the clear pick here unless you really like red.
Great Comparison video thanks for posting,, not choosing between either one cause it's all in a individual persons taste,, I think the Gibson sounded Thicker/Fatter while the Epiphone sounded Cleaner/Brighter ,, I'd love to own either one ...........
@Justin Hoard Gibson went bankrupt due to stretching themselves to thin more than anything else. It was trying to be lifestyle brand as opposed to strictly an Instrument manufacturer.
Epiphone hands down IMO. We all hear differently i suppose. The gibson just sounded muddy on the bridge, but I will say the epi neck pup isn't fabulous but 600$ thats a deal and a great guitar, this is from a tele guy too. Thanks good luck great guitars!
The red Gibson just sounded so much better, like the difference between a vintage Mackintosh amplifier and a Sansui amplifier. The Gibson was just so much more warmer like a really good aged whiskey, while the Epiphone was like a Teenager, bright and full of life but lacking experience and quality. It would be better to compare the 2020 Epiphone with the newer 2020 Gibsons Firebirds, the ones made after the cardinal red ones(2019 models) . The newer ones are in Cherry and Tobacco Burst but they have the cream binding with the retro serial numbers. They were made by the new managment and have better quality control. Cheers and thanks for the comparison. done in a very expert way, and some really good tunes also.
Wonder if you added Mojotone Johnny Winter pickups to the Epiphone if it wouldn't beat the pants off the Gibson. About $300 with installation. Still comes in way under the Gibby.
Now we’ve got the “rubbish” out of the way from another guitar snob (probably just picked up his Murphy Lab!) let’s just all be honest. A Firebird is a Rock N Roll guitar not a guitar for Jazz or other polite forms of music and from that perspective the Epi trashes the pants off the Gibson!
Oli, I am grateful for sharing with us your 2 Firebird videos but very much regret that around 90% of your demo was with distortion/overdrive and that makes all humbucker guitars sound the same. The limited clean demos ? Could not tell the difference between the 2...
Did you listen with headphones? I could definitely tell a difference with headphones on. Gibson sounds a lot warmer. A little too warm for me. I preferred the sound of the epi.
I frikken love that cardinal red! It's m number one picknif I ever get a Gibson Firebird 😉👍 P.S. I'd like to hear you weigh in at the end...speak for a bit. Let us know if you rate the Epi or not. From behind the axe..
Question - how long did it take you to adapt to playing a Firebird sitting down? and do you find it easy now? Ive just got one, finding it easier by the day
@@OliRoyer thats how i feel after just a few days of using it...also it has its moments, sometimes it feels absolutely amazing to play. Especially standing up
the gibson sounded a lot better in my opinion, but it should… you could swap the electronics on the epiphone to high end electronics and probably still be paying under half of what it would cost for the gibson. both are great guitars
No discernable difference to my ear.'Course people will argue that Chinese People "Vibrate" at a different frequency than Americans,and this will affect tone.(Or some other nonsense).
Quite tempted to agree with you here. The Gibson is slightly lower output to my ears, but nothing that can't be achieved by turning the gain down slightly on the Epi
If you are gigging with an Epiphone Bird I don't think the audience will even know the difference between the two brands and no one will tell you why didn't you buy the Gibson. Epiphone is alot more respected nowadays..
well...a brighter tone on gibson i think 🤔 but i have an epiphone myself,and it is a damn good guitar....but tone mostly have with the pickups ...so if you dont like the sound of epiphone,you can change humbuckers to the gibson....
Gibson nitro finishes account for a large portion of the price difference. Poly gloss Epiphone’s won’t age like nitro and feel much cheaper. That said, the Epi sounds really good here and is like $4000 cheaper. Pop some Seymour Duncan mini humbuckers into the Epiphone and you’ve got an excellent axe.
I'm currently saving for an Epiphone Firebird, I'm really hoping it doesn't go off sale or the price doesn't go up just before I get the chance to buy it lol with my luck that's probably going to happen. I will literally commit mass genocide for one though 😐
Epiphone sounds better, and looks better to, and while the finish isn't nitro lacquer the "nitro" Gibson uses is full of plasticizers, and is spayed over a non-nitro base coat. Poly is more durable, for those of us always banging into things (especially with a 'bird...!).
Nah! That Epi Firebird is a Rock n Roll machine, the Gibson sounds too sanitised! Surprised really, as the pickups are usually the weak link with most Epi’s!
After a while listening, I would say Epiphone has made it.
Epi Firebird will be my next guitar!!
I've had my Epiphone Firebird for a little over a year and am still in love with it. Just an excellent guitar without any issues. Very well made, great looking, plays great, and it's hard to tell its sound from the Gibson.
Got my Epiphone Firebird today , the quality look really good and the sound is amazing
That bridge pickup sounds like it'd be perfect for some garage rock/psych
Years ago Gibson went with ceramic magnets on the FB pickups. The magnets on the Epi are Alnico, which are more like the original FB pickups than the current Gibson ones.
Gibson using alnico on these ones also.
@@Dalley93 Good. The ceramic pups sound good, but are a bit hot, IMO.
so which sound best for cleans?@@nellayema2455
Epiphone gets my vote - love the bright, raw sound....
Probably one of the best and most versatile guitarists I've ever heard.
This is the first time I watched your videos. This and the previous video on the Epiphone firebird was excellent. Thank you. I really enjoyed them and I subscribed.
Firebird nerd here...
Out of the 2 guitars in this video:
If you want the guitar that replicates the look AND SOUND of the original 'bird most closely, get the Epiphone.
The Gibson is a fine modern instrument in it's own right.
What you said.
Amazing how close they sound. Great review here. Thanks.
I preferred the sound of the Epiphone
Sweet playing and tones man, thanks! I know I don't NEED one of these, but the past few days, I'm really WANTING one. There's just something different with the sound. Like a smooth, creamy growl. Edging that way lol
This is awesome. Helped me make a serious decision about my next guitar! My current lineup is two Gibson Les Pauls from 2019, a PRS Custom 24 SE, Epiphone Lzzy Hale Explorer and now im about to take this Epiphone Firebird on once Thomann has it back in stock. By the way I dig your channel! let me know if you ever feel like doing a collab in podcast style - I do original music mostly but I also do a bunch of gear videos and looper jams.
@@OliRoyer i just saw a four month old reply from you! Since then ive acquired a PRS CE24 that i love, another Les Paul studio and yeah i skipped the Epiphone Firebird and went straight to a Gibson one!
I'm definitely going for the Epiphone.
There's a nice clarity there and an articulate presence, as well as plenty bite.
Plus, it makes my Epiphone 'Bird set complete:
Thunderbird-V, Mandobird-VIII, and a Firebird :)
The Epiphone seems to have more sparkle to the cleans.
That's not always good cause sometimes those type of highs can be very shrill,too trebly and can't be controlled.
@@JesusRodriguez-it7fv I soorted this with a 0,033uF capacitor in the bridge circuit.
I dig the sparkle!
I had a 2016 Gibson FB for several years. It had a weak ground right from the factory so I didn't play it very often. I finally sold it a few years ago and just got the Epi FB a few months ago.
The Epi wins every comparison except for the "look" of the fret-board wood. I liked the "look" of the RW board better. I doubt anyone could hear any difference though from the Laurel board and they feel the same. Plus you can save an easy grand. Easy choice.
Crank the neck pickup to 10 on volume and zero on tone and enter guitar heaven.
I was trying to decide between the Epiphone Firebird or their Tony Iommi SG and I think your fine review has tipped me towards the Firebird. It sounds good and it’s definitely a visually striking instrument that’s not the typical weapon of choice. It will make an impression when performing, especially with a black pick guard. It’s little more affordable than the SG as well. It’s a win, win. Cheers.
I don't like the Gibson as much as the Epi. Epi has more vintage character.
I've got the Epi ... I also own a Korean Sheraton II from 09 ... Epi make SERIOUS quality Guitars. I played a BUNCH of Gibsons before I bought my first Epi ... many of the Gibsons lacked for QC ... I went with Epi all the way.
I just bought the Epiphone Firebird, and I LOVE IT. Would have bought a new Gibson Firebird if they still make them. Couldn't find a Gibson under $5000 used. I got to say I'm glad Epiphone was my only choice. It's a hell of a guitar for $650.
5000.-, wow!😮😮😮
Today I got my own. A very fine instrument, I have to say.
Beautiful. I bet if some pickup heights were lowered on the bridge of the Epiphone it would be really close but that neck pickup... OMG 😲
I've been playing for 40+ years and have a good size collection. I just received my Epiphone FB and the quality is great. If you told me this was a $1500 guitar, I would have believed it. As you know you give a new guitar your own personal setup and adjustments. The neck needed no adjustment. Frets had a good dress, no sharps. No buzzing. Action was low but not crazy low. Perfect for 10's. Finish looked amazing. The only minor issue was the nut was cut a touch high, but really nothing. I definitely got a good one.
JUST got the Epiphone yesterday! woot!
Gibson sounded a little more compressed and warmer. Little rounder. Epi sounded more open and brighter. A little more raw. I’d take either to be honest. No. Seriously. Give me one. 😂 oh and awesome playing by the way!
I'll take the Epi in this Pepsi Challenge. Put a Gibson Truss rod cover on it if you're a paper tiger...
Never was a fan of those pups , but on the epi they sound pretty good!
The difference is so minimal, especially in a band setting where the instruments aren’t isolated, the Epiphone is the clear pick here unless you really like red.
yeah lol but you can still paint the epiphone in red for 50 bucks so Epiphone all the way
@@mistaa3193Epiphone is making a red one with Gibson USA pickups now
Thank you, Sir. Epiphone Fire"sparkle"bird ! Raw Rhythm & Blues mix with jingle jangle vibe
Great Comparison video thanks for posting,, not choosing between either one cause it's all in a individual persons taste,, I think the Gibson sounded Thicker/Fatter while the Epiphone sounded Cleaner/Brighter ,, I'd love to own either one ...........
So there is no wonder,why Gibson became bankrupt.
Epi more open and punchy
Yeah that's not why Gibson had to file for bankruptcy lol
@Justin Hoard Gibson went bankrupt due to stretching themselves to thin more than anything else. It was trying to be lifestyle brand as opposed to strictly an Instrument manufacturer.
Thanks. I actually liked the sound of the Epi better. Heresy, I know. It just sounds cleaner and more articulate, even with the gain. 👍
Epiphone hands down IMO. We all hear differently i suppose. The gibson just sounded muddy on the bridge, but I will say the epi neck pup isn't fabulous but 600$ thats a deal and a great guitar, this is from a tele guy too. Thanks good luck great guitars!
Easy to sort out by placing a 0,033uF capacitor instead the 0,022uF
The red Gibson just sounded so much better, like the difference between a vintage Mackintosh amplifier and a Sansui amplifier. The Gibson was just so much more warmer like a really good aged whiskey, while the Epiphone was like a Teenager, bright and full of life but lacking experience and quality. It would be better to compare the 2020 Epiphone with the newer 2020 Gibsons Firebirds, the ones made after the cardinal red ones(2019 models) . The newer ones are in Cherry and Tobacco Burst but they have the cream binding with the retro serial numbers. They were made by the new managment and have better quality control. Cheers and thanks for the comparison. done in a very expert way, and some really good tunes also.
Wonder if you added Mojotone Johnny Winter pickups to the Epiphone if it wouldn't beat the pants off the Gibson. About $300 with installation. Still comes in way under the Gibby.
@@stephentool1316 Think it already does that from a tone perspective straight out of the box!
Now we’ve got the “rubbish” out of the way from another guitar snob (probably just picked up his Murphy Lab!) let’s just all be honest. A Firebird is a Rock N Roll guitar not a guitar for Jazz or other polite forms of music and from that perspective the Epi trashes the pants off the Gibson!
I like my 2003 Gibson FB!
Oli, I am grateful for sharing with us your 2 Firebird videos but very much regret that around 90% of your demo was with distortion/overdrive and that makes all humbucker guitars sound the same. The limited clean demos ? Could not tell the difference between the 2...
Did you listen with headphones? I could definitely tell a difference with headphones on. Gibson sounds a lot warmer. A little too warm for me. I preferred the sound of the epi.
@@austinhall8543 Same here, think this Epi has the Gibson well and truly beat for tone!
Must try one to see what “the feel” is like!
I frikken love that cardinal red! It's m number one picknif I ever get a Gibson Firebird 😉👍
P.S. I'd like to hear you weigh in at the end...speak for a bit. Let us know if you rate the Epi or not. From behind the axe..
Nice video comparison.
What’s the weight of the Epiphone?
Here’s a question : does the epiphone firebird have a veneer top to hide the number of pieces of wood used like this sg the back (and front) of LPs?
No, it is true neck through construction.
Did the Epiphone come with the gold knobs or did you replace?
Do you think the Epiphone would sound good for Green Day type things?? With the proper distortion of course :)
Absolutely
Yes I play and love Green Day on my Firebird and I'm 65
Question - how long did it take you to adapt to playing a Firebird sitting down? and do you find it easy now? Ive just got one, finding it easier by the day
@@OliRoyer thats how i feel after just a few days of using it...also it has its moments, sometimes it feels absolutely amazing to play. Especially standing up
I think play it a couple of days and no weird playing feelings at all.
the gibson sounded a lot better in my opinion, but it should… you could swap the electronics on the epiphone to high end electronics and probably still be paying under half of what it would cost for the gibson. both are great guitars
Tops demo man!
No discernable difference to my ear.'Course people will argue that Chinese People "Vibrate" at a different frequency than Americans,and this will affect tone.(Or some other nonsense).
Quite tempted to agree with you here. The Gibson is slightly lower output to my ears, but nothing that can't be achieved by turning the gain down slightly on the Epi
If you are gigging with an Epiphone Bird I don't think the audience will even know the difference between the two brands and no one will tell you why didn't you buy the Gibson. Epiphone is alot more respected nowadays..
well...a brighter tone on gibson i think 🤔 but i have an epiphone myself,and it is a damn good guitar....but tone mostly have with the pickups ...so if you dont like the sound of epiphone,you can change humbuckers to the gibson....
Gibson nitro finishes account for a large portion of the price difference. Poly gloss Epiphone’s won’t age like nitro and feel much cheaper. That said, the Epi sounds really good here and is like $4000 cheaper. Pop some Seymour Duncan mini humbuckers into the Epiphone and you’ve got an excellent axe.
hi. who win???
Epiphone
fuck this is a sick review the best in all youtube about epiphone firebire
Toyota or Lexus?!
I'm currently saving for an Epiphone Firebird, I'm really hoping it doesn't go off sale or the price doesn't go up just before I get the chance to buy it lol with my luck that's probably going to happen. I will literally commit mass genocide for one though 😐
I dont know why but... Epi
Epiphone sounds better, and looks better to, and while the finish isn't nitro lacquer the "nitro" Gibson uses is full of plasticizers, and is spayed over a non-nitro base coat. Poly is more durable, for those of us always banging into things (especially with a 'bird...!).
Much more balanced sound from the Gibson. The Epiphone looks very nice, butjust sounds....well......unpleasant
Add some Mojo Tone Johnny Winter pickups and it will sing!
Noo!!! The pickups are awesome as is.
Epi is too shrill IMHO. Gibson was balanced. Like it could scream and still have a tone thicker than a bowl of oatmeal
Nah! That Epi Firebird is a Rock n Roll machine, the Gibson sounds too sanitised!
Surprised really, as the pickups are usually the weak link with most Epi’s!
Agreed. Gibson sounds better but then you are paying a hell of a lot more money😮
Gibson.....the sound is the key.